Shell-MP dominates junior touring

Shell-MP Turbo’s Carlos Anton and Mike Potenciano pulled off big stints in the final two legs of the first ever Philippine Junior Touring Car Championships (PJTCC) to emerge as champion and first runner-up, respectively, at the Batangas Racing Circuit.

The PJTCC is a spin-off of Production Class Saloon Racing in the country and was likewise staged at the Subic International Raceway. The PJTCC victory is Shell-MP Turbo team’s fourth title in three years, with the first three consecutive championships earned in the Subic Production class races.

Shell-MP Turbo’s prolific season was sponsored by Shell Helix, AC Delco, BLTBCo., Goma King, No Fear, Rota Wheels, Francisco Motor Corporation, Bavarian Motor Works, Team Tom’s Asia, Phil. Bandag, Hankook Batteries and MP Turbo Race & Rallye Shop.

Anton and Potenciano had to push their battle-tested Hyundai Elantras hard all weekend to accomplish the feat. Erstwhile series leader Carlo Pastor came to the tracks toting an 11-point spread over the second running Anton. Anton took the pole position by posting fastest clocking in the time trials while Potenciano took third to place themselves in formidable positions to chase top honors.

As the race got underway the Shell MP Turbo’s dynamic duo found themselves dicing for the lead with Carlo’s younger sibling, Enzo, who eventually took first place. Anton and Potenciano settled for second and third places, respectively. The strong finish by the top drivers of Shell-MP Turbo nevertheless, set them both within striking distance of the series leader Carlo, who was plagued with mechanical problems. At the end of the morning run, Anton had cut down the elder Pastor’s margin to two points.

The Shell-MP Turbo camp smelled victory when the rains fell in the afternoon race. Anton and Potenciano, masters of rain sodden racetracks, deftly pulled away from the main pack. Years of practice and actual races in such adverse conditions gave Anton and Potenciano undue advantage over the rest. The two put on a dazzling display of wet driving, with both taking turns at the lead until Anton finally crossed the finish line with Potenciano riding shotgun behind him.

Shell-MP Turbo novice driver Monching Guitierrez was not to be outdone as he stood his ground against a host of equally promising drivers to grab the PJTCC Novice Class title. Guitierrez and teammate Alex Padua played pivotal roles in the Shell-MP Turbo team’s triumphant campaign by denying series leader Carlo Pastor’s crucial points.